Postdoctoral Researcher in genetic/genomic epidemiology of complex traits

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

The Department of Clinical Neuroscience at Karolinska Institute is looking for one postdoctoral researcher with expertise from diverse backgrounds such as genetic epidemiology, statistical genetics and bioinformatics. The candidate will work in the genetic epidemiology research group lead by Ingrid Kockum. Our unit has a long-standing experience in studying the genetic architecture and genetic epidemiology of complex diseases including autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases using state-of-the-art approaches such as genome-wide association study, cross-trait meta-analysis, Mendelian randomization and more.

You will find a unique opportunity to work closely with top researchers in the borderland between epidemiology and neuroscience to understand the genetic architecture of autoimmune neurological disorder. We offer an engaging and international research environment where you get an opportunity to contribute to high-quality research at an international top level.

Your mission

Using Mendelian randomization approach to understand the causal relationship between various modifiable exposures and autoimmune neurodegenerative disease; as well as to identify potential drug targets (for example, using eQTL and pQTL data).
Using an integrative genomic approach (cross-trait meta-analysis, functional annotation, enrichment analysis, etc.) to understand relationship, novel loci and pleiotropic mechanisms across different autoimmune disorders.

It is expected that the postdoctoral researcher will supervise graduate students. The position will provide valuable experience to the candidate and will offer a chance to lead their own projects.

Your profile

Qualified to be employed as a postdoctor is one who has obtained a doctorate or has equivalent scientific competence. Applicants who have not completed a doctorate at the end of the application period may also apply, provided that all requirements for a completed degree are met before the (intended) date of employment. This must be substantiated by the applicant's main supervisor, director or equivalent.

Absolute Requirements

Experience in handling omics data such as genomic and transcriptomic data
Using an integrative genomic approach to understand disease aetiology
Have expert level knowledge on programming languages such as R (or C++, Java, Python).
Advanced knowledge in (genetic) epidemiology
Must demonstrate fluent English language skills both oral and written as this is our day-to-day working language.

Preferred Requirements

Previous experience working with autoimmune neurodegenerative disease and/or complex traits
Advanced knowledge of statistical genetic approaches such as GWAS analyses, transcriptomic analysis, eQTL analysis, Mendelian Randomization, functional annotation etc.
Experience in linux-based environments and knowledge of cloud computing
Considerable and relevant expertise in the fields of genetic epidemiology and statistics
Demonstrated scientific creativity, insight in medicine and molecular biology, and familiarity with population based high-throughput genotyping

The applicants will primarily be assessed on their academic performance, but emphasis will also be placed on personal aptitude, good collaborative skills, and the ability to work across traditional disciplinary boundaries. We are looking for a candidate who’s determined and has high problem-solving analysis skill. The successful candidate is highly motivated and exhibit a commitment to build a career path within genetic epidemiology and statistical genetics.

What do we offer?

Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. Our vision is to pursue the development of knowledge about life and to promote better health for all. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct innovative medical research and provide the largest range of biomedical education in Sweden. Karolinska Institutet is a state university, which entitles employees to several benefits such as extended holiday and a generous occupational pension. Employees also have free access to our modern gym and receive reimbursements for medical care.

Location: Solna

Application

An employment application must contain the following documents in English or Swedish:

A complete resumé, including date of the thesis defence, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work
A complete list of publications
A summary of current work (no more than one page)

Welcome to apply at the latest August 22, 2021.

The application is to be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.

Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all!